Gymnastics Starts Official Practice With A New Attitude

AMES, Iowa- Sept. 12 marked the first day of official practice for NCAA Women's Gymnastics programs across the United States. The Iowa State gymnastics team wasted no time hitting the mats and getting to work to prepare for the 2017 season. This year brought a whole new environment for the returning Cyclones, including six talented freshmen, a new coaching staff, and a revamped practice approach.

"We gave our gymnasts a lot of volume and a lot of intensity coming into this first week of practice," head coach Jay Ronayne emphasized. "It's something the returners haven't experienced yet and they stood up to it really well. We have a great deal of demands to accomplish in a short amount of time so we're moving a lot faster than we used to. We are really focusing on the details for this season, more than we ever have before."

This change in mindset started with the coaches, but the gymnasts have noticed and are adjusting the new attitude quickly. One student-athlete who is thriving in the new competitive mindset is junior Briana Ledesma, who competed for the Cyclones in 11 meets last season. She made a name for herself as an impressive contributor on floor and is looking to continue her notable improvements on both floor and vault.

"It's definitely been an adjustment," Ledesma admits. "But I think we've done really well with it. We have a lot of new things going on. It's more cardio based and focusing on fixing the little things."

Another big adjustment for the returning student-athletes has been the new teammates in practice.

"Our freshmen are such hard workers, we all love them," Ledesma stated. "With all of the changes this season compared to what we were doing my freshman year, it has been really tough for me and this is my third year with the team. They've really come in, stepped up, and done a great job."

The six newest Cyclone gymnasts are already feeling like a part of the Cyclone family. The Iowa State gymnastics team has always been known for being a close-knit group of supportive teammates, and these new additions are no different.

"It's everything I've always wanted," freshman Emily White explained. "Throughout my entire gymnastics career I've wanted to complete at the collegiate level and be a part of a team like this. I love this environment and how we're all here to push each other and support each other. We always have each other's backs and that's one of the most important things to me."